Chapter 30 #2
Brennan and I don’t hang around long enough for Sean to change his mind and convert this little get-together into a shootout.
Outside, the sun beats down on us overhead, and Brennan kicks at the gravel as we head to the car.
“That’s it? The bastard says he’ll back off, and we’re just expected to believe him? He might have killed Dad—”
“We don’t know it was him,” I hiss under my breath as I eye the guards. “Not yet.”
Brennan follows my gaze and snaps his mouth shut until we’re safely back in the car.
“We’ve got that document Riley found. Surely, that’s enough evidence to prove he did it.”
“We don’t even know what’s in it.”
Brennan scoffs. “Come on. You’ve had it under your nose for weeks, and you’re telling me you’ve not once asked to see it?”
“No, I haven’t.”
“Why?”
I stare straight ahead, my hands gripping the steering wheel as we idle at a red light.
“I think part of me doesn’t want to know.”
“What the hell does that mean?”
“If what Riley has proves Sean did it…” I pause. “Then I have to do something about it. I have to finish this. And Riley… She’ll be in the crossfire again.”
Brennan doesn’t say anything, but I can feel his judgment brewing in the silence.
“That’s not all of it, though. If I push her for it now, it could look like the only reason I’m with her is because of that damn document. What if she thinks that’s all this ever was?”
Brennan lets out a breath. “You really care about her.”
“More than I ever thought possible.”
“Then tell her that, and then ask for the evidence. Because it’s about time we avenged our father, Kieran.”
I shake my head. “I just got her back. I can’t risk making her feel used.”
Brennan’s quiet for a beat. “But if she has the proof and it’s real, that changes everything. We can’t just sit on that kind of information.”
“I know. But I need to be sure about us before I ask.”
“Fair enough. But the longer you leave it, the harder that conversation’s going to be.”
An incoming call from Ronan lights up the center screen, and I answer it before Brennan asks me any more questions that I don’t want to answer.
“We’re just leaving Sean’s—”
“Ciara’s in labor,” Ronan blurts. “I need you to get here.”
“On our way.”
I have Brennan call Riley on the drive back to the penthouse, warning her to be ready.
By the time I pull into the private garage, she’s standing there, waiting, with worry etched into every part of her face.
She climbs into the backseat. “How’s Ciara?”
“We’re about to find out,” I answer.
By the time we reach the hospital and locate Ciara’s room, I find my brother pacing back and forth in the hallway, looking like he’s about ready to punch a hole in the wall.
I’ve seen Ronan on edge, but this is something else entirely. There’s genuine fear in his eyes.
I approach him. “Ronan,”
His head snaps up.
“How is Ciara?”
“It’s false labor. The doctor wants to keep her overnight for observation."
“That’s good, right? That means the babies won’t be born too prematurely.” Riley appears at my side. Her fingers intertwine with mine, and I gently squeeze them.
Ronan nods, but the tension doesn’t ease from his shoulders.
“What is it?” Brennan appears at my other side.
Ronan doesn’t answer right away, but his eyes flick to Riley, and she seems to understand the subtle cue.
She pulls her hand free and adjusts her tote bag on her shoulder. “I brought some things for Ciara. Is it okay if I go in and see her?”
Ronan nods, and Riley offers me a smile before disappearing inside Ciara’s room.
My brother still doesn’t speak.
I frown. “What’s going on with you?”
“I need you to step up.”
“You know I will.”
“I’m talking full control here, Kieran, of everything. At least until the twins are born.”
I stuff my hands into my pockets, frowning. “It’s done.”
Ronan glances at Brennan before looking back at me.
“Are you sure you can handle this?”
“I have no choice but to handle this. Either I do it, or Brennan does, and we both know that would be a disaster.”
Brennan scowls. “Fuck you, Kieran.”
“Don’t curse, we’re in a hospital. Why don’t you go and make yourself useful by running and getting us some coffee?”
“Seriously?”
“Seriously.”
Brennan looks like he’s about to argue, but then he catches the look on Ronan’s face and thinks better of it.
Once his footsteps have disappeared out of earshot, I lean against the wall and run a hand through my hair.
“Play nice with Brennan,” Ronan warns. “He works hard.”
“I always do.”
Ronan’s lips twitch, and we stand in silence for a moment, listening to the faint beeping sounds of monitors and the announcements in the overhead speakers.
But when Ronan’s eyes burn on me, I look over and frown. “What?”
“You’ve changed.”
“Yeah?”
“You’re thinking more.” He’s still looking at me with the sort of intensity that our father used to look at Ronan with.
“What’s that supposed to mean?”
“I mean, you’re using less brute force and more strategy. A few months ago, if you rocked up at Sean’s estate, it would have ended with at least half a dozen men in body bags. Instead, you took the time to find leverage and gave him an ultimatum. You probably saved a lot of lives today, Kieran.”
“Don’t remind me.”
Ronan chuckles under his breath. “Maturity looks good on you.”
Just then, Ciara’s door opens, and Riley appears, wearing a huge smile on her face.
When her eyes lock with mine, I find myself smiling back despite the weight resting heavily on my shoulders.
“For once, things are going right,” I say to Ronan before crossing over to Riley and wrapping her up in my arms.
All I can hope for is that it lasts. Because if there's one thing I’ve learned in this life, it’s that it never stays quiet for long.